England powers on

Posted Saturday, 15 July, 2006 in International News

Paul Collingwood was the star of the show for England on the second day of the first Test against Pakistan with the top order batsman notching up a career-best 186 to leave his side in a commanding position at stumps.

Fellow batsman Ian Bell also had little trouble scoring with ease around the ground on a day where runs flowed freely from the bat.

Starting the day on 3-309, the hosts continued to dominate the Pakistan bowling attack and declared soon after Bell struck his third Test century with the score on 528-9.

Pacemen Steve Harmison and Liam Plunkett then resumed where the batsmen had left off and quickly had the tourists reeling at 66-3 in reply.

Earlier in the day, Collingwood put on 233 with Alastair Cook (105) and 120 with Bell to set England up with a healthy lead ahead of stumps.

Resuming at the crease on 109 in the morning session, Collingwood made the highest score ever against Pakistan at Lord's, watched by Tom Graveney, whose 153 in 1962 was the previous mark.

Pakistan will head into the third day with Mohammad Yousuf (20) and Mohammad Sami (0) in the middle after Imran Farhat was dismissed for 33 near the close of play.